Size, strength, experience and skill on faceoffs gave the Islanders a decided edge over the Blue Jackets: 3 takeways

Horvat's two goals in a dominating three-goal second period for the Islanders leave Blue Jackets scuffling with back-to-back defeats.

As the NHL season progresses, two unexpected contenders have emerged in the Eastern Conference playoff race: the New York Islanders and the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Blue Jackets continue a four-game road trip as they visit Long Island tonight to play the last-place Islanders. The Blue Jackets did something against the Rangers that they've only done one other time this entire season - Failed to score a goal.

The Blue Jackets never quite got going in a lackluster 3-1 loss to the Islanders to end their seven-game point streak.

Bo Horvat scored twice in the second period Monday night for the host New York Islanders, who beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-1 in Elmont, N.Y.

New York Islanders Team President and General Manager Lou Lamoriello remained extremely busy and added a third new defensemen in the last eight days. The Islanders claimed defenseman Adam Boqvist, 24,

Bo Horvat scored twice in New York’s three-goal second period, and the Islanders beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-1.

Here are five key EDGE stats for the Islanders entering the stretch run of the season:

On Friday, the New York Islanders claimed defenseman Adam Boqvist off waivers from the Florida Panthers. The Islanders have been adding to their blue line after their past week.

More:New York Islanders use stifling style to snuff Columbus Blue Jackets' point streak Otherwise, the Jackets should move past the Islanders loss quickly and focus on another daunting back-to ...

It's only back-to-back losses to start a four-game road trip, after falling 3-1 to the New York Islanders on ... goaltending loss for the Blue Jackets (22-18-7). Columbus longer occupies one ...